Cameroon’s National Assembly has elected Théodore Datouo, a member of the ruling majority, as its new Speaker, replacing Cavaye Yéguié Djibril, 86, who had held the position for 34 years.
Datouo, 66, a lawmaker from the West region, previously served as one of the Assembly’s vice-presidents. The chamber is largely dominated by the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM/RDPC), the party of President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.
He secured 133 votes out of 147, representing 90.47% of the ballots cast.
The National Assembly had been led by Cavaye Yéguié Djibril since 1992. He was first elected as a member of parliament in 1973, during the one-party era.
During President Paul Biya’s only campaign rally in October 2025, Cavaye Yéguié Djibril drew public attention after delivering a faltering speech, fueling speculation about his health.
According to a long-standing political tradition, the appointment of a Speaker from a different region could lead to the replacement of the Senate President, Marcel Niat Njifenji, 91, who represents the West region.
AFP
